News and Events regarding Diversity at the University of Bonn
Here you can find the current projects, workshops and events that deal with the different dimensions of diversity in everyday university life.
Diversity Days 2026
To mark German Diversity Day, the Vice Rectorate and the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Unit are celebrating the Diversity Days, this year on the topic ‘Beyond Normal: Neurodivergence at the University’.
Successful re-audit "Vielfalt Gestalten"
Following the re-audit in November 2024, the University of Bonn has now been awarded the ‘Vielfalt Gestalten’ certificate for another three years. The peers particularly praised the promotion of women and the increase in the proportion of female professors to over 30 per cent. The certificate recognises universities with successful concepts and measures in the area of diversity.
Women's network WHATSUB
WHATSUB is a network for women researcher at Bonn University, who want to create, enhance, and advance their academic careers together. With regular network meetings, exciting information and valuable contacts, WHATSUB continues to grow steadily. This makes it an important point of contact that brings together and supports women at all stages of their scientific careers. The network was established by the Gender Equality Office at the University of Bonn.
‘Gender Studies’ certificate for students
Every winter semester, students from all faculties and degree programmes at the University of Bonn will be able to complete the ‘Gender Studies’ certificate and thus set a subject-specific and personal study focus for themselves. The aim is to teach individual gender competence for research, teaching and other professional, political and private contexts.
The certificate is comprised of basic and subject-specific specialisation modules and teaches practical experience totalling 16 ECTS credits. It can be completed within two (or more) semesters, depending on your study plans. The certificate is offered by the Centre for Theological Gender Research at the Faculty of Catholic Theology at the University of Bonn.
Funding Initiative: ‘Diversity at German Universities’
The University of Bonn has successfully applied for project funding as part of the "Diversity at German Universities" initiative. The initiative is run by the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Among other things, it aims to support German universities in making diversity more visible, promoting their own diversity strategies and encouraging the participation of all university members in the process. A total of 33 universities receive funding for diversity projects under the initiative.
Successful application for the Women Professors Programme 2030
With its equal opportunities concept for parity at the university, the University of Bonn has received start-up funding for the initial appointment of three women to permanent W2 or W3 professorships. This is a further step towards the goal set out in the Excellence Strategy of achieving a proportion of 33 per cent female professors by 2030.
Between 2018 and December 2023, the proportion of professorships held by women increased from 19.2 per cent to 28.6 per cent, and in autumn 2024 we reached a proportion of 30 percent for the first time. The University of Bonn is thus making a significant contribution to implementing a university culture that promotes gender equality.
Guide to Gender Equitable Language
Gender-equitable language is an increasingly important issue in Germany, both in society as a whole as well as at universities in specific. Precise expression is especially important in an academic context, which is why choosing language that is as correct and inclusive as possible is a priority. The Equal Opportunity and Diversity Unit is currently working with the AG Diversity to develop a guide for gender-equitable language. This will serve as a working aid for all members of the University of Bonn. Until this guideline is published, we recommend the Faculty of Agriculture's guideline for gender-equitable language, which can be viewed here.
Introducing people from the AG Diversity
Many members and students at the University of Bonn are committed to an open approach to diversity and individuality. They contribute their topics and perspectives and thus help the university to advance on its diversity-orientated path. A selection of central contact persons introduce themselves on a new website (German). They are the point of contact for those who need support, advice or simply a sympathetic listener.
If you would also like to get involved in the Diversity Working Group, you can find more information here.
Solidarity with Ukraine
On the occasion of the Russian war in the Ukraine, the University and State Library Bonn (ULB) presents topic-related literature from its holdings and refers to selected websites of trustworthy institutions that serve as sources of information or enable private assistance.
Contact
Dr. Annabelle Krause-Pilatus (she/her)
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
Ruth Ellen Bischoff (she/her)
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn